USCG Search and Rescue (SAR) Operations 2

Question 1

What information must be included in a MAYDAY distress call?

Accepted Answer

MAYDAY, vessel name, position, nature of distress, number of persons aboard, and any other relevant information

Answer

A MAYDAY call must include the word MAYDAY spoken three times, vessel name, position, nature of distress, number of persons aboard, and any other information helpful to rescuers.

Question 2

What is the primary SAR coordination agency in the U.S.?

Accepted Answer

The U.S. Coast Guard

Answer

The U.S. Coast Guard is the lead federal agency responsible for maritime SAR coordination, operating Rescue Coordination Centers (RCCs) and Rescue Sub-Centers (RSCs) throughout the country.

Question 3

What is a 'man overboard' (MOB) buoy used for?

Accepted Answer

Marking the location of a person in the water to assist in recovery

Answer

A man overboard buoy is deployed immediately when a person falls overboard; it marks the spot to help the crew track the person's location as the vessel maneuvers to recover them.

Question 4

What is the 'Williamson Turn' used for in SAR operations?

Accepted Answer

A shiphandling maneuver to return a vessel to its reciprocal track to search for a person overboard

Answer

The Williamson Turn is a standard shiphandling maneuver that returns the vessel to its original track on a reciprocal course, allowing it to search the path where a person was last seen.

Question 5

What is the recommended immediate action when a person falls overboard?

Accepted Answer

Throw a life ring, shout 'man overboard,' alert the crew, and keep the person in sight

Answer

Immediately throw a life ring toward the person, shout 'man overboard' to alert the crew, assign a lookout to keep continuous visual contact, and maneuver the vessel for recovery.

USCG - United States Coast Guard Practice Test

USCG - United States Coast Guard Practice Test

USCG Search and Rescue (SAR) Operations 2